The Lakers talked for the past week about a possible deal that would entail Gasol going to the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Andrew Bynum returns to the Lakers. But it never materialized. The Cavaliers acquired All-Star forward Luol Deng from the Chicago Bulls for Bynum, three draft picks and the right to swap first round picks in 2015.

That leaves Gasol entering the Lakers’ game tonight against the Dallas Mavericks (19-15) at American Airlines Center donning the purple and gold, but with hardly any more security. The Lakers could still rid themselves of Gasol’s $19.3 million contract at some point before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

“Off to Dallas. We’ll stay focused on playing as a team, giving everything we have,” Gasol tweeted Monday afternoon before realizing his future. “I’m always thankful for all your support.”

The Cavaliers were intent on trading Bynum in time for him to clear waivers Friday when his $12.5 million contract becomes guaranteed. Cleveland had suspended Bynum recently over conduct deterimental to the team. But the Lakers were only interested in the deal if they could acquire assets, such as young players and draft picks.

The Lakers (14-20) would’ve immediately waived Bynum, a move coupled with Gasol’s departure that could’ve saved the Lakers nearly $20 million in luxury taxes. But that would’ve officially signaled the Lakers tanking the season, an alarming contradiction to a franchise usually fixated on winning.

Gasol was nominated for Western Conference player of the week honors after averaging 24.33 points on 46.7 percent shooting, 11 rebounds, 4.67 assists and 3.33 blocks in the past three games, marking a sharp increase from his season-average of 15.6 points on a career-low 44.9 percent clip.

Status quo

The Lakers are expected to retain all four players signed to nonguaranteed contracts, including Xavier Henry ($916,099), Shawne Williams ($1.1 million), Ryan Kelly ($490,180) and Kendall Marshall ($547,570). With their contracts becoming guaranteed on Jan. 10, the Lakers would have to waive them by today so they have time to clear NBA waivers should they change their minds.

The Lakers value those players for different reasons, including Henry’s athleticism, Williams’ floor-spacing. Kelly’s shooting and Marshall remaining the only healthy point guard. It helps they’re relatively inexpensive, too.

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Injury update

In order to give Henry more time to heal a bone bruise and torn cartilage in his right knee, the Lakers pushed back their reevaluation date from Thursday to either next Monday or Tuesday. That automatically pencils Henry out when the Lakers play Friday against the Clippers at a designated home game at Staples Center.

Most of the Lakers’ backcourt traveled with the team on their Texas Two-Step, including Kobe Bryant (fractured left knee), Steve Nash (nerve issues in back), Steve Blake (hyperextended right elbow) and Henry. Jordan Farmar will stay in Los Angeles rehabbing his torn left hamstring.